WORK began today on what will be Europe's largest onshore wind farm.

Meanwhile, the Government set out proposals outlined in the Energy Review to see a five-fold increase in the amount of electricity generated from renewable sources.

Trade and Industry Secretary Alistair Darling performed the official ground- breaking ceremony for Scottish Power's £300m Whitelee Windfarm, about eight miles south-west of Glasgow.

He said: "Within three years 140 turbines will rise above Eaglesham Moor, harnessing enough wind energy to power 200,000 homes. That's most of Glasgow.

"It will make a major contribution to our twin aims of securing energy supplies and tackling climate change."

The minister said 16% of Scotland's electricity already came from renewable sources, compared to 4% for the UK as a whole.

Also, Whitelee will save a further 250,000 tonnes of harmful CO2 every year, he added.

The Government also today began consultation on green power.

It is seeking the views of industry, investors and other stakeholders on how to reach its aim of getting a fifth of the UK's electricity from renewable sources by 2020.